‘The Spider Slayer’ (TV)

‘THE SPIDER SLAYER’

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In this episode, Spidey comes across the Spider-Slayer. This is a giantic robot arachnid built by Spencer Smythe to kill him. This episode also features the first appearance of Spencer Smythe’s son Alistair as well as Norman Osborn, who would later become the villainous Green Goblin in the series.

The episode also features the first appearance of Flash Thompson and Harry Osborn, Norman Osborn’s son. Flash gets to dress up as his favourite hero Spider-Man to show Peter Parker up during one of Felicia Hardy’s parties. It becomes his undoing when the Spider Slayer comes and kidnaps him.

There’s a nice romantic dancing scene between Peter and Felicia during the party at J. Jonah Jameson’s home. It was a surprise especially for Peter when Felicia kisses him during the dancing. Peter also brings Aunt May with him, whilst he gets to be the photographer during this special party.

This episode also features the first appearance of the villainous Kingpin, the crime boss in New York City. Norman Osborn is working for the Kingpin during this series. There’s also another appearance of Eddie Brock, who tries to sell the unmasking of Spider-Man, who turns out to be Flash Thompson.

‘The Spider Slayer’ is the beginning of a linked two-episode story, although the episodes are pretty standalone. At the end of this episode, Spidey destroys the Spider Slayer and Spencer Smythe is seemingly killed in the process. Alistair Smythe is recruited by the Kingpin to work for him at the end.